Campground
1,842 m
Aire de bivouac de Petra Piana
Petra Piana · GR20 km 71.7
High-altitude bivouac area (over 1,800 m) around the Petra Piana hut. Bivouacking is only permitted on the designated…
Elevation profile
750 m1,000 m1,250 m1,500 m1,750 m2,000 m0 km2 km4 km6 km8 kmRefuge de Petra Piana 1,842 m
| Waypoint | Altitude | Km |
|---|---|---|
| Refuge de Petra Piana | 1,842 m | 0 km |
| Refuge de l'Onda | 1,430 m | 9.9 km |
The route
The main route descends into the Manganellu valley via the Gialgu bergeries, through a lovely forest of pine and beech. The torrent's rock pools invite a swim before the climb back up to the Onda hut, in a grassy little valley.
A variant waymarked in yellow follows the ridges instead: shorter, more technical and more exposed, it is best kept for days of settled fine weather. The PNRC strongly advises against the ridges in high winds or thunderstorms. See the ridge variant.
The Onda hut is one of the smallest on the route (16 beds): book early or plan to bivouac.
Practical tips
- In strong winds or if thunderstorms are forecast, stay in the valley: those are the Park's instructions.
- Make the most of the Manganellu rock pools for a dip.
- The Onda hut has only 16 beds: book quickly.
Water points and tricky sections
1 water point listed on this stage. Springs can run dry in late summer: ask the hut wardens and treat the water if in doubt.
| Km | Point | Type | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.9 km | Source zone humide Grotaccia | Water point | 1,000 m |
Source: refuges.info (CC BY-SA), points less than 250 m from the trail.
Variants on this stage
Stage map
Where to stay on stage 8?
Accommodation along the stage, at the finish or on its variants, in walking order.
Refuge de Petra Piana 2 places to stay
Refuge
1,842 m
©Refuge de Petra Piana
Petra Piana (below Monte Rotondo) · GR20 km 71.8
High-mountain hut at the foot of Monte Rotondo, reached after the Brèche de Capitellu and its views of Lac de Melu and…
Refuge de l'Onda 2 places to stay
Campground
1,390 m
©Aire de bivouac de l'Onda (bergerie de l'Onda)
Bergeries de l'Onda · GR20 km 81.6
The bivouac area is just below the Onda bergerie, protected by a fence that keeps out horses and goats. Campers have…
Refuge
1,440 m
Refuge de l'Onda
L'Onda · GR20 km 81.7
Small Park hut overlooking the Onda shepherds' huts (bergeries), where management and hospitality are provided by the…